Returning Adelaide United legend Craig Goodwin says he’s now fully focused on securing a spot in the Socceroos squad for next year’s FIFA World Cup following their official qualification on Wednesday morning.
Having beaten Japan 1-0 in Perth last week, the Socceroos then followed that up with an impressive 2-1 away win over Saudi Arabia to guarantee themselves a spot at next year’s showpiece event in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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A Socceroos regular, Goodwin would have been a part of the squad for both games but was ruled out of contention for the latest round of qualifiers due to a nerve issue in his foot which now requires surgery.
“Yeah obviously somewhat disappointing to not be there, not be able to be involved and watching the game,” said Goodwin when speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon.
“But also, you know, I’m a football fan, I’m an Australian fan, and wanted the team to win and to be at the World Cup. Now, mentally, I’ve got that focus on the 2026 World Cup and to try and get myself there.”
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Asked whether or not his injury will impact his pre-season ahead of what will be his fourth stint with the Reds, Goodwin allayed any fears of his foot issue being a serious one.
“The injury I have is a neuroma. So it’s an inflamed nerve in my left foot that I’ve been managing for the last three or four years, and the cortisone (injections) are no longer working, so I need to remove the lump. It’s a six-week recovery.”
Returning after a two year spell in Saudi Arabia, 33-year-old Goodwin is back in Adelaide, having left the club at the end of the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season to join Saudi Pro League side Al Wehda.
Putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Reds, Goodwin says he’s confident of displaying the sort of form that will lead to further call-ups under head coach Tony Popovic, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind.
“I didn’t have too many conversations with him in terms of that,” said Goodwin when asked if Popovic had spoken to him about returning to the Isuzu UTE A-League.
“But he’s made it very clear to any player, it’s about playing regularly and playing your best football. So, you know, I think he’s shown by picking multiple A-League players that it doesn’t matter whether you’re playing here or playing abroad.
He continued: “And in the past, I made the last World Cup playing for Adelaide, and obviously had a really good World Cup there. And a lot of my best football has come at Adelaide united.
“So I look forward to the challenge. I look forward to the mental battle and mental focus and I know, as always, that international football doesn’t come unless you’re playing well at club level.”
He went on to say: “There were always other options. There was options to stay in Saudi as well, and for me, it was a little bit of the decision of, okay, I’m 33 I don’t see myself retiring anytime soon, but I know that in terms of playing football and going forward, I want to be where I have the most passion for it and I feel that’s going to bring also the best out of my football.
“I had a great two years in Saudi, a great experience playing against some of the best players in the world and had two really good seasons there individually, and that translated into national team call-ups and being consistent on the national stage.
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He added: “Going forward, it’s about being where I feel the most passion for and I believe that’s going to get the most out of my football.”
Goodwin becomes the first signing to be made by new Adelaide United head coach Airton Andrioli, who was recently announced as the club’s new boss on a two-year deal following the departure of former head coach Carl Veart.
“Yeah, really excited. Really excited to obviously get in with the team. Obviously work with Airton, who I’ve known for a number of years, who coached me even back when I was about 13-14 years old.
“So he’s done a great job with the youth team. He knows a lot of the boys. So it’s an exciting time in this new phase to be able to obviously link up with those younger players, try and help them bring the best out of their performance. And like I said, my main focus will be on the mentality side.”
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One player Goodwin is looking forward to playing with will be his namesake, Archie Goodwin, who shone in his first season with the Reds, scoring 13-goals on his way to securing a share of the Golden Boot alongside Sydney FC’s Adrian Segecic.
“We’ll see what we discuss. I might tell him he has to get an ‘A’ next to it,” joked Goodwin when asked which of the two players will be forced to have their initial printed on the back of their shirt next season.
“But no, I’m really looking forward to to linking up with Archie, and hopefully I can set him up for a number of goals and improve his number this year to be the outright Golden Boot winner. And yeah, looking forward to that partnership.”
